Getting Carried Away with Boot Stiffness??

[bobnva]

I have been to 2 invitationals this season after being away from skating for about 16 years. I have noticed a lot of skaters in the younger divisions wearing brick hard boots, both for figures and freestyle. Some did not even lace the boots properly, they skipped hooks, just to be able to bend in them.

I always had my students in a softer boot for singles and a stiffer one for figures, but the ones now seem almost like ice boots.

I know rolaboi had some students in the Fly boot, which is extremely stiff. Could you and maybe Rick, and anyone else that would like to input, educate me on the thoughts behind doing this. I'm trying to catch up on all the equipment changes from being away so long. It's a whole new world.

[pacificsk8r]

Originally Posted by bobnva

I have been to 2 invitationals this season after being away from skating for about 16 years. I have noticed a lot of skaters in the younger divisions wearing brick hard boots, both for figures and freestyle. Some did not even lace the boots properly, they skipped hooks, just to be able to bend in them.

I always had my students in a softer boot for singles and a stiffer one for figures, but the ones now seem almost like ice boots.

I know rolaboi had some students in the Fly boot, which is extremely stiff. Could you and maybe Rick, and anyone else that would like to input, educate me on the thoughts behind doing this. I'm trying to catch up on all the equipment changes from being away so long. It's a whole new world.

I hear what you're saying about the stiff boot thing! I'm still trying to break in SP-Teri Silver Medalist. These were supposed to be the softest boot for freestyle. They have stiff instep supports compared to my Riedell 297's. I keep spraying with boot softner so they're getting better. But I'd be interested to hear about the reasoning for the stiff boots myself. I can understand them for figures, but not for freestyle. I like to be able to bend my ankle for edges in footwork, etc.

[rwsz]

Originally Posted by bobnva

I have been to 2 invitationals this season after being away from skating for about 16 years. I have noticed a lot of skaters in the younger divisions wearing brick hard boots, both for figures and freestyle. Some did not even lace the boots properly, they skipped hooks, just to be able to bend in them.

I always had my students in a softer boot for singles and a stiffer one for figures, but the ones now seem almost like ice boots.

I know rolaboi had some students in the Fly boot, which is extremely stiff. Could you and maybe Rick, and anyone else that would like to input, educate me on the thoughts behind doing this. I'm trying to catch up on all the equipment changes from being away so long. It's a whole new world.

its all coaches and skaters preference. i know one of the world class skaters in mens last year tried the fly and couldnt skate in it. the national wc mens champion last year tried one and couldnt even go backwards he told me lol. many of them use the 297 or the 336 now in riedells but others are in harlicks or sp teris. so like you said the figures should be stiff and the single skaters are a mix of everything. my son used 297s for years but was going to a 330 this year before he retired.

[Sk8terontherise]

I was just actually speaking with someone about boot stiffness. I have Riedell 375 and they are stiff. Better for figures prob. but I look at it like this... They wont break in easily as others would. What do you think? Should i stick with those boots or should i get new ones?

Also are you located in VA? b/c i'm looking for a skate club in Northern VA (right outside of Washington, DC) instead of traveling to Seabrook, MD.

[rwsz]

Originally Posted by Sk8terontherise

I was just actually speaking with someone about boot stiffness. I have Riedell 375 and they are stiff. Better for figures prob. but I look at it like this... They wont break in easily as others would. What do you think? Should i stick with those boots or should i get new ones?

Also are you located in VA? b/c i'm looking for a skate club in Northern VA (right outside of Washington, DC) instead of traveling to Seabrook, MD.

the reidell 375 is a stiff boot, its the gold star and more of a figure boot or ice boot. depending on the type or skating your doing and what your comfortable with its up to you. its heavier, but can you get the stability, the edges and turns you need with it ask yourself.

[Lefty]

I use 297 myself
I have no problem breaking these in. They are super soft, its great.
I'm doing broken ankles usually by the end of the first practice.

If you're looking for a boot that won't cause blisters from stiffness, thats the one!

[bobnva]

Originally Posted by Sk8terontherise

I was just actually speaking with someone about boot stiffness. I have Riedell 375 and they are stiff. Better for figures prob. but I look at it like this... They wont break in easily as others would. What do you think? Should i stick with those boots or should i get new ones?

Also are you located in VA? b/c i'm looking for a skate club in Northern VA (right outside of Washington, DC) instead of traveling to Seabrook, MD.

I actually live in Woodbridge, VA. We looked around VA for a good club and the closest in VA was Ashland. That was over an hour away so we looked at MD rinks also. Ended up going to Wheels in Odenton, MD. Considering traffic it's a shorter drive for us than Ashland. Plus it's a really nice facility.

You should stop by one day. Message me for times if your interested.


As for you question about boots, if you use a comfortable freestyle boot you get between 1 and 2 years out of it. The 375 is a stiffer boot than I would recommend, but as Rick said it is a really personal choice for freestyle. As long as your comfortable skating in it, and it has not affected your items negatively I say it's fine.

[pacificsk8r]

Originally Posted by Lefty

I use 297 myself
If you're looking for a boot that won't cause blisters from stiffness, thats the one!

I will have to agree with you on that one! But I'm sure they break down faster as well?

[Sk8terontherise]

I live in northern va myself. I live in Alexandria as a matter of fact. Where is Odenton Md? Does Wheels have a Website? I would like to check out the facility. You'll have to let me know where it is. Thank you for answering my question

[Sk8terontherise]

Are you a coach? I noticed in an earlier message you had posted about going to 2 invitationals and something else about having your students wear the softer boots for singles and the harder boots for figures. Let me know if you are a coach and if you are willing to teach.

Its been a while for myself since i've last skated and I'm ready to get back into it. I've heard alot has changed since i was a kid. Some of the rules have changed. I'm 27 now, and I'm ready to start....

[Sk8terontherise]

You know Odenton is close to Columbia Maryland I'm guessing??? Outside of Baltimore? National Capitol Dance and Figure Club in Seabrook, MD is much closer than Wheels. Wheels is about 50 minutes from my house and I'm in Alexandria, right off of 395. National Capitol Dance and Figure Club is 33 minutes from my house, but i can make it in about 20-25

But i would still like to check out the facility.

[bobnva]

Originally Posted by Sk8terontherise

Are you a coach? I noticed in an earlier message you had posted about going to 2 invitationals and something else about having your students wear the softer boots for singles and the harder boots for figures. Let me know if you are a coach and if you are willing to teach.

Its been a while for myself since i've last skated and I'm ready to get back into it. I've heard alot has changed since i was a kid. Some of the rules have changed. I'm 27 now, and I'm ready to start....

I was a coach about 15 years ago, then just could not justify continuing as I was about to get married and as most know, coaching is not the most lucrative profession. So I had to go get a "real job".

A lot has changed and right not I am getting up to speed also. Once the coaches at wheels got to know me they recruited me to start helping the kids there. Now I don't need the money so I teach who I want for no charge. I just really enjoy doing it. My wife came back and is competing is what got me back into it. She is loving it.

Are you looking to compete again or for fitness/recreation? What do you want to try to skate? My specialties are figures and freestyle.

One thing you will find is overall the competition is way below what it used to be. There are still some great skaters, just not nearly as many.

[bobnva]

Originally Posted by Sk8terontherise

You know Odenton is close to Columbia Maryland I'm guessing??? Outside of Baltimore? National Capitol Dance and Figure Club in Seabrook, MD is much closer than Wheels. Wheels is about 50 minutes from my house and I'm in Alexandria, right off of 395. National Capitol Dance and Figure Club is 33 minutes from my house, but i can make it in about 20-25

But i would still like to check out the facility.

It's about 10 to 15 miles from Columbia, so thats not really a good landmark. I think it would be about 10 minutes further than Seabrook for you. We just really liked the rink, the floor is great, 90x190 hardwood. They also keep up with it very well. It is also one of the rinks that regionals takes place in about every other year. They have it south in Greensboro, NC then back North at Wheels. Regional is at Wheels this year.

I am at the rink Mondays and Thursdays from about 7-10pm, barring private parties. On Sat. and Sundays I am there from 7am to 10am and sometimes from 12-2.

Link to Wheels Website

[rwsz]

Originally Posted by Sk8terontherise

You know Odenton is close to Columbia Maryland I'm guessing??? Outside of Baltimore? National Capitol Dance and Figure Club in Seabrook, MD is much closer than Wheels. Wheels is about 50 minutes from my house and I'm in Alexandria, right off of 395. National Capitol Dance and Figure Club is 33 minutes from my house, but i can make it in about 20-25

But i would still like to check out the facility.

The National skate club produces some good skaters and champions at nationals every year. the ones i have met at nationals are good people also. i dont know anything about the rink though.

[Sk8terontherise]

I'm looking to start competing as well as fitness and recreation. I checked out the website for Wheels and the floor looked awesome. It looked HUGE!!! I noticed that they have certain times that they give lessons on saturdays for beginners. I'm sure that I probably will have to start all over again, but I'm ready and willing to take on that challenge

My dilema is when i was younger, I started out skating at Plaza Roller Rink in Hampton, VA. A childhood friend and I, but my parents took me out of the lessons (for some reason, and until this day, I still have no idea why) and i continued to go to as many competitions (with her/my childhood friend) as i could. But as i said, i'm ready to start all over again.

[Sk8terontherise]

I justed noticed the link you posted to Wheels website. Thanks.

[sk84luv]

Originally Posted by Lefty

I use 297 myself
I have no problem breaking these in. They are super soft, its great.
I'm doing broken ankles usually by the end of the first practice.

If you're looking for a boot that won't cause blisters from stiffness, thats the one!

Lefty, what in the heck are broken ankles? You make it sound like a move on skates. I also have 297's. However, I tried a pair of Reidel Royal boots. The previous owner used them for figures. I had them mounted on Sure Grip Classic plates, and they were so stiff; I felt, and looked like a penguin on skates.

[rolaboi]

Originally Posted by rwsz

its all coaches and skaters preference. i know one of the world class skaters in mens last year tried the fly and couldnt skate in it. the national wc mens champion last year tried one and couldnt even go backwards he told me lol.

thats crazy! my kids are only 11 & 12 and they both put them on (the FLY BOOTS), did them up tight and off they went! they've not complained since and both love them.. i have a pair that were custom made because i wanted them even harder!! i used a soft boot once and almost broke my ankle (2000 - yes rick!!) and the entire year I had problems and it was b/c of that sloppy boot..

however, its personal preference that's for sure...

[rwsz]

Originally Posted by rolaboi

thats crazy! my kids are only 11 & 12 and they both put them on (the FLY BOOTS), did them up tight and off they went! they've not complained since and both love them.. i have a pair that were custom made because i wanted them even harder!! i used a soft boot once and almost broke my ankle (2000 - yes rick!!) and the entire year I had problems and it was b/c of that sloppy boot..

however, its personal preference that's for sure...

i was trying to avoid the 2000 worlds Jayson ,,,,,i know what u mean on the boots, when younger the kids are use to them and then in the usa they seem to go to the softer boots as they get older. i know it sounds nuts on the boots but it was Josh that tried the stiff boot and couldnt go backwards, he use to skate in stiffer ones when very young and then went to the riedell 297 and is now on the 336, a newer version with a bit more padding then the 297. also another man tried it and didnt like them. then Derek from california uses a very stiff harwich or something like that lol. i am use you remember scott and eric and they both used the 297 also, a very soft boot. my son started our with stiff boots and went to the 297 and was just going to a riedell 330, a stiffer boot as he hurt his ankle and wanted more support but then he retired so not sure how it would have worked out. he was on it and was getting used to it but a longer break in period.

like you said it depends on the skaters preference.

[rwsz]

Originally Posted by sk84luv

Lefty, what in the heck are broken ankles? You make it sound like a move on skates. I also have 297's. However, I tried a pair of Reidel Royal boots. The previous owner used them for figures. I had them mounted on Sure Grip Classic plates, and they were so stiff; I felt, and looked like a penguin on skates.

a broken ankle is a spin done on either the 2 inside wheels or 2 outside wheels only with the knee bent and the ankle bent over, thus the broken ankle spin, its done in a camel position. its mostly done on the 2 inside wheels edges. a royal boot is mostly used for figures but can be used for anything depending on the skater. yes its a very stiff boot, also an ice boot.